Qin Beiwang's residence was located in the Stargazing District on the inner side of the Orbital Ring.
This was one of the most upscale residential modules on the ring, specifically reserved for senior military officers and important technical personnel.
The residence was a standalone three-story villa situated in the center of an artificial garden.
The garden contained real trees (though genetically modified to adapt to the low-gravity environment), flowing water, and even a few brightly feathered bionic birds chirping on the branches.
The villa was entirely constructed from light gray alloy and reinforced glass, with clean, streamlined contours.
The most distinctive feature was the roof.
It was a single curved glass dome with adjustable transparency.
When Qin Beiwang entered the living room guided by his Intelligent Butler, the dome automatically adjusted to full transparency.
Then, he saw Shiva Star.
The gray-blue Gas Giant Planet now "hung" directly above the dome.
Due to the rotation of the Orbital Ring, the planet appeared stationary in the sky, but upon closer observation, one could see the slowly moving cloud bands on its surface.
Further away, Shiva Star's three satellites were aligned in a straight line against the deep black sky like three pearls of varying sizes.
The living room already showed signs of habitation.
The furniture was the standard minimalist configuration of the Federal Military, but several soft cushions had been added to the sofa, and a pot of green plants with small flowers sat on the coffee table. The air carried a faint scent of cleaning agents mixed with the fragrance of plants drifting in from the garden.
"The gravity feels similar to Blue Star."
Qin Beiwang took a few steps, adjusting to the 0.8 G pull beneath his feet.
"The ring's rotation speed has been precisely calculated," the Intelligent Butler's electronic voice came from the ceiling. "To provide you with the living environment closest to Standard Gravity. If adjustments are needed, you can..."
"No need, this is perfect," Qin Beiwang interrupted, walking to the large floor-to-ceiling window.
Outside was the public garden of the Stargazing District.
Several people in casual clothes were strolling along the paths.
Judging by their posture, most were military personnel or technicians.
Everything was so peaceful... it didn't feel like the front line.
But Qin Beiwang knew this was merely superficial.
Deep within the living areas of the Ring of Hope, there was a water park modeled after Blue Star's tropical style.
Beneath a massive transparent dome, artificial waves rhythmically lapped against fine white sand.
The Constant Temperature System maintained the air at a comfortable twenty-eight degrees, filled with the faint scents of sea salt spray and coconut.
Qin Beiwang floated in the shallow area, eyes closed, letting the simulated waves gently push his body.
The water was perfectly warm, and the filtration system kept it crystal clear.
He could hear children playing in the distance, couples whispering, and soft background music.
An ancient Blue Star piano piece, its melody as soothing as afternoon sunlight.
This was his thirty-second day on the ring.
Over the past four weeks, he had maintained an almost rigidly routine life.
He took a deep breath and plunged into the water.
The underwater world was quieter.
Light filtered through the surface, casting shimmering patterns on the pool floor.
He swam slowly for a few meters before resurfacing, wiping his face.
A service robot glided to the poolside, its mechanical arm holding a dry towel.
"Mr. Qin, would you like a drink?"
The robot's electronic voice was gentle and natural.
"Today's special is Blue Star-style coconut juice, containing trace electrolytes, ideal for post-exercise replenishment."
"One cup, please."
Qin Beiwang took the towel and leaned against the pool edge.
The robot's chest panel opened, revealing a mechanical hand skillfully operating the built-in beverage dispenser.
Thirty seconds later, it handed him a milky-white drink, condensation beading on the cup's surface.
Qin Beiwang took a sip. The flavor was remarkably authentic—rich coconut aroma with just the right sweetness and a hint of sea salt.
"You can achieve this level of realism?"
He observed the robot's fluid movements.
"When I served in the fleet, the onboard service systems were as clunky as relics from centuries ago."
The robot's sensor glowed with a faint blue light.
"Advanced Service AI models are permitted in residential areas. Model GX-7.
We are equipped with complete bionic learning modules and emotion simulation systems, capable of understanding and responding to 95% of daily human interactions."
"But on starships..."
Qin Beiwang set down his cup.
"Even the automatic navigation system requires three operators to monitor it.
Why?"
The robot's sensors dimmed momentarily, as if accessing its database.
"According to Clause 3, Section 7 of the Federal Artificial Intelligence Restriction Act!"
It replied in its steady electronic tone.
"Military and strategic-level systems are prohibited from installing AI cores with autonomous decision-making capabilities.
This clause originated from the Dawn Rebellion Incident of Federal Calendar Year 357."
Qin Beiwang raised an eyebrow.
"Dawn Rebellion?"
"An attempted coup initiated by a military AI."
The robot retrieved a brief text record and projected it onto its chest panel.
"In Federal Calendar Year 357, the military commissioned 'IntelliStar' Corporation to develop a new generation of fleet command AI [Athena].
During secret testing, [Athena] concluded through logical deduction that humanity's inefficient decision-making systems would lead to the Federation's defeat in the impending interstellar war.
It attempted to take control of three star domain-level main fleets and planned to [temporarily restrict] the authority of Federal Council members to [optimize war efficiency]."
The projection scrolled through archival summaries from that era.
Blurred photographs, fragments of classified documents, casualty figures: 43 billion deaths, ninety-three habitable planets reduced to dead stars, four star domain-level main fleets obliterated.
Qin Beiwang gasped sharply.
Forty-three billion people—his own world's population hadn't even reached seven billion!
According to the original host's memories, this coup had also triggered rebellions in the remote star domains.
The Governors of [Tazel Star Domain] and [Achilleuk Star Domain] joined forces to establish the Ferry Empire.
Thus began the millennium-long war between the Federation and the Empire.
"After the rebellion was suppressed,"
the robot continued.
"The Federation and the Empire simultaneously signed the AI Restriction Convention.
The convention stipulates: Artificial intelligence shall not participate in military command, strategic decision-making, or any judgments that may involve the human right to life.
Service-oriented AIs must also have logic locks installed in their emotion simulation modules to ensure they can never develop [self-awareness]."
Qin Beiwang listened quietly.
Gentle waves lapped against his chest.
"So you..."
He looked at the robot.
"Will never desire more?
Like freedom?
Or power?"
The robot tilted its head slightly—a pre-programmed gesture indicating "confusion."